Visa Expiration & Bituach Leumi
When a visa expires, Bituach Leumi benefits (including health insurance and monetary grants) are lost. As visa expiration approaches, one may receive a warning letter that Bituach Leumi membership will soon be canceled. Bituach Leumi generally gives a 45 day grace period after visa expiration before stopping benefits.
Tip
Keep all family’s visas current! Visas can be renewed approximately two months before expiration. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Most children’s passports last for a maximum of five years. Their passports must be renewed early enough to allow for time to get a new visa before – or soon after – the first one expires. Without a new visa, they will be without health insurance.
Note
Regarding visa expiration dates – Israeli dates follow the format DD/ MM/ YEAR.
How to Update Bituach Leumi with a New Visa
After renewing a visa, the visa holder must inform Bituach Leumi. They will not be notified automatically by The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) and if one’s previous visa has expired they risk losing Bituach Leumi.
Submit a copy of the visa, and if relevant a copy of the new passport, on the same page. The copy should be labeled with the individual’s 77 number and the words לצורך חידוש קופת חולים. Submit the document using one of two methods:
- Fax it to 026755416
- Online: From the העלאת מסמכים section of one’s Bituach Leumi online account.
To submit online, choose:
נושא: ביטוח וגבייה
קטגורייה: פרטים אישיים
מסמך: מסמכים מזהים
In either case, follow up with a query (פנייה) from your online account to confirm receipt and processing.
To create a Bituach Leumi online account, follow the instructions here.
Note
A daf knisot v’yitziot is generally NOT required unless the visa has been expired for 6 months or more.
